BB Erzurumspor vs Galatasaray – News and Probable Lineups

BB Erzurumspor welcomes Galatasaray at Kazim Karabekir Stadium on Friday for the second round of the 2026-27 Turkish Super Lig season, as both teams aim to recover from vastly different results seen in the opening weekend.

The reigning champions had to settle for a draw in their first match, while the hosts faced a tough defeat in their eagerly awaited return to the elite division.

Match overview

Galatasaray managed to salvage a point against newly promoted Corum FK with a dramatic 90th-minute header from Victor Osimhen, after leading the match before the visitors turned the tide despite being down to 10 men.

Statistically, Okan Buruk’s side was dominant, outshooting Corum 38-8 and registering 2.90 expected goals, while their opponents only had 0.61.

However, they still needed a late equalizer to avoid a surprise loss, which prolonged their streak of allowing goals in nine consecutive matches across all tournaments.

Osimhen’s two goals came amid intense speculation regarding a potential transfer to Arsenal, but Buruk will be hopeful that the striker’s effective performance proves his concentration on Galatasaray’s title defense, despite the swirling rumors regarding his future.

Nonetheless, Buruk will be seeking a much more solid defensive display after the issues they faced against Corum.

Galatasaray also boasts a strong record against Erzurumspor, remaining unbeaten in their last four encounters since 2018, winning three and drawing one. This run includes a 2-0 victory in the last meeting in the Super Lig in 2021.

In contrast, Erzurumspor had a challenging return to the top tier, suffering a 3-0 loss at home to another promoted team, Amed, in their opening fixture.

Dia Saba scored twice in the second half, while Gokhan Gul added another goal, handing Serkan Ozbalta’s squad a tough start.

This outcome was a disappointing follow-up to an impressive season in TFF 1. Lig last year, where Erzurumspor lost only three of their 38 matches on the way to the title and promotion.

Facing reigning champions in their first home game back in the Super Lig is a daunting task, though the Dadaslar might take some solace from the performance of Corum against Galatasaray last weekend.

Team News

Erzurumspor has no new injury updates, with Ozbalta likely to implement several changes after the disappointing loss to Amed.

Festy Ebosele and Nariman Akhundzade were substitutions against Amed and may be introduced into the starting XI.

Defender Enes Yigit remains suspended, marking him as the only confirmed absentee for the hosts, while Eren Tozlu is anticipated to spearhead the attack as Erzurumspor seeks their first goal since returning to the top tier.

Brandon Baiye will play an essential role in midfield, while Fernando Andrade is expected to lead the attack, with Mustafa Fettahoglu assisting him.

Galatasaray, on the other hand, also reports no new injury issues following the draw with Corum, though Buruk might rotate his team given the defensive challenges faced last weekend.

Ilkay Gundogan and Mario Lemina are both vying for a return to the starting lineup, while goalkeeper Gunay Guvenc is sidelined due to a knee injury, which is likely to keep him out for a period of four to six weeks.

Eren Elmali came on for Ismail Jakobs during the second half against Corum and will aim to secure a starting position on Friday.

Osimhen is expected to lead the line once again following his two goals on the opening day, with Sane, Akgun, and Yilmaz providing support in the forward positions.

BB Erzurumspor probable starting XI:

Anapa; Ovacikli, Gerxhaliu, Kirtay, Bayrak; Baiye; Fernando, Akgun, Rodriguez, Fettahoglu; Dust

Galatasaray probable starting XI:

Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardacci, Jakobs; Torreira, Sara; Sane, Akgun, Yilmaz; Osimhen

Galatasaray’s superior individual talent alongside Erzurumspor’s limited experience at the highest level should ultimately be key, but the uncertainties in the champions’ defence may present another challenging match for Buruk’s side.

Osimhen is well positioned to continue his strong start to the season; however, the hosts will benefit from home support and the incentive of facing the defending champions in their first Super Lig home match in five years.

We anticipate that Erzurumspor will make Galatasaray work hard for the points, but the champions should possess enough quality to secure a slim victory.